Three Individuals, Including Active-Duty and Former Army Soldiers, Arrested for Allegedly Conspiring to Provide Sensitive Military Information to China
In a concerning development for national security, two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and a former soldier have been apprehended in Oregon on charges related to espionage activities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrests on Thursday, detailing allegations of the individuals gathering and transmitting sensitive military information to individuals in China. The accused are Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Ruoyo Duan, a former soldier.
All three face charges of conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Jian Zhao faces further charges of conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual not authorized to receive it. The gravity of the situation was underscored by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who condemned the alleged actions as a betrayal of the country, aiming to weaken America’s defense capabilities and bolster adversaries in China. Bondi assured that the accused would face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.
The indictment outlines two distinct conspiracies. Duan and Tian are accused of collaborating to secretly gather sensitive military information about the United States Army’s operational capabilities. This alleged conspiracy spanned from November 28, 2021, to at least December 19, 2024. The information sought included technical manuals and data related to military weapon systems, specifically the Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles.
According to the DOJ, Tian, while on active duty, was allegedly tasked with gathering this information for Duan in exchange for monetary compensation. This arrangement points to a calculated effort to exploit Tian’s position and access to sensitive materials for illicit purposes.
The second conspiracy involves Jian Zhao, an active-duty Army supply sergeant. Zhao is accused of initiating a conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information to individuals in China, beginning around July 2024. The charges against Zhao are particularly serious, alleging that he conspired to collect and transmit several classified hard drives, some bearing "SECRET" and "TOP SECRET" classifications. The indictment claims that Zhao negotiated with individuals based in China for the sale of these classified hard drives and agreed to send them to China. The DOJ alleges that Zhao received at least $10,000 in exchange for the classified hard drives.
Further accusations against Zhao include conspiring to sell a computer stolen from the U.S. government and sensitive military documents and information, including information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and military readiness in the event of a conflict with China. Zhao allegedly accepted around $5,000 in payments for these items. The DOJ asserted that Zhao violated his duties as a U.S. Army Soldier and public official to protect sensitive military information in exchange for money.
The FBI has taken a leading role in the investigation. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, described the behavior of all three individuals as "unconscionable." Herrington emphasized the message this case sends to potential spies, stating that the FBI and its partners have the will and the ability to find, track down, and hold them to account. He affirmed that protecting the nation’s secrets, especially those necessary to preserve military advantage and protect troops, is a top priority for the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed these sentiments, stating that the men will "face American justice" after "stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country."
The arrests highlight the persistent threat of espionage and the importance of robust security measures to protect sensitive military information. The case underscores the potential vulnerabilities within the military ranks and the need for constant vigilance to prevent individuals from being compromised. The investigation and prosecution of these individuals will likely be complex, involving classified information and potentially requiring coordination with intelligence agencies.
The outcome of the case will have significant implications for national security, as it will send a message to both potential adversaries and those within the military about the consequences of engaging in espionage activities. The case also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by foreign powers to acquire sensitive U.S. military information, highlighting the need for continuous investment in counterintelligence and security measures.
The alleged actions of Zhao, Tian, and Duan represent a serious breach of trust and a potential threat to national security. The case underscores the importance of rigorous vetting procedures for military personnel, as well as ongoing training and awareness programs to educate soldiers about the risks of espionage and the importance of protecting sensitive information. The investigation into the extent of the damage caused by these alleged activities is likely to be extensive, and the potential consequences for U.S. military capabilities and strategic advantage could be significant.
